What is Leukocytosis

Leukocytosis means that a person has more white blood cells than normal. White blood cells are made in the bone marrow. Bone marrow is the spongy tissue inside of bones.

The main job of white blood cells is to fight infection. Having too many white blood cells is a common condition. It can develop as a result of many types of medical problems.

What are the causes?

This condition may be caused by various problems. In some cases, the bone marrow is normal but it is still making too many white blood cells. This could be the result of:

• Infection.
• Injury.
• Physical stress.
• Emotional stress.
• Surgery.
• Allergic reactions.
• Tumors that do not start in the blood or bone marrow.
• An inherited disease.
• Certain medicines.
• Pregnancy and labor.

In other cases, a person may have a bone marrow disorder that is causing the body to make too many white blood cells. Bone marrow disorders include:

• Leukemia. This is a type of blood cancer.
• Myeloproliferative disorders. These disorders cause blood cells to grow abnormally.

What are the signs or symptoms?

Often, this condition causes no symptoms. Some people may have symptoms due to the medical problem that is causing their leukocytosis. These symptoms may include:

• Bleeding.
• Bruising.
• Fever.
• Night sweats.
• Repeated infections.
• Weakness.
• Weight loss.

How is this diagnosed?

This condition is diagnosed with blood tests. It is often found when blood is tested as part of a routine physical exam. You may have other tests to help determine why you have too many white blood cells. These tests may include:

• A complete blood count (CBC). This test measures all the types of blood cells in your body.
• Chest X-rays, urine tests, or other tests to look for signs of infection.
• Bone marrow aspiration. For this test, a needle is put into your bone. Cells from the bone marrow are removed through the needle, then they are examined under a microscope.
• Other tests on the blood or bone marrow sample.

How is this treated?

Usually, treatment is not needed for leukocytosis. However, if a disorder is causing your leukocytosis, it will need to be treated. Treatment may include:

• Antibiotic medicine if you have a bacterial infection.
• Bone marrow transplant. This treatment replaces your diseased bone marrow with healthy cells that will grow new bone marrow.
• Chemotherapy or biological therapies such as the use of antibodies. These treatments may be used to kill cancer cells or to decrease the number of white blood cells.

Follow these instructions at home:

Medicines

• Take over-the-counter and prescription medicines only as told by your health care provider.
• If you were prescribed an antibiotic medicine, take it as told by your health care provider. Do not stop taking the antibiotic even if you start to feel better.

Eating and drinking

• Eat foods that are low in saturated fats and high in fiber. Eat plenty of fruits and vegetables.
• Drink enough fluid to keep your urine clear or pale yellow.
• Limit your intake of caffeine and alcohol.

General instructions

• Maintain a healthy weight. Ask your health care provider what weight is best for you.
• Do 30 minutes of exercise at least 5 times each week. Check with your health care provider before you start a new exercise routine.
• Do not use tobacco products, including cigarettes, chewing tobacco, or e-cigarettes. If you need help quitting, ask your health care provider.
• Keep all follow-up visits as told by your health care provider. This is important.

Contact a health care provider if:

• You feel weak or more tired than usual.
• You develop chills, a cough, or nasal congestion.
• You have a fever.
• You lose weight without trying.
• You have night sweats.
• You bruise easily.

Get help right away if:

• You bleed more than normal.
• You have chest pain.
• You have trouble breathing.
• You have uncontrolled nausea or vomiting.
• You feel dizzy or light-headed.